Ascend Elements, a U.S.-based manufacturer of sustainable battery materials, and Orbia’s fluorinated solutions business, Koura, agreed to explore joint commercialization of the patented Hydro-to-Anode graphite recycling technology and discuss plans to build an advanced graphite recycling facility in the United States. Unveiled in February 2022, Ascend said the Hydro-to-Anode technology produces 99.9% pure graphite from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing scrap. Commercialization of the technology will provide a new source of battery-grade anode materials for North America’s EV battery industry.
Until now, Ascend Elements said it focused on producing engineered cathode materials from recycled lithium-ion batteries, primarily cathode precursor (pCAM) and cathode active materials (CAM). The ability to recover graphite for use in batteries improves the economics of battery recycling and further minimizes the need for mining. Additionally, graphite processed in the United States is compliant with Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements for electric vehicles to qualify for the 30D tax credit.
Ascend Elements said it and Orbia Koura are currently in discussions to supply IRA-compliant, battery-grade graphite to several electric vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery manufacturers. The companies have not yet disclosed a location or timeline for the construction of the new facility.
